New Delhi: After today's election, Sanjay Singh, a longtime associate of former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, has assumed the top position, succeeding Singh. However, in response to this development, Olympic medalist and accomplished wrestler Sakshi Malik has announced her decision to retire from the sport.
Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a six-time BJP MP from Uttar Pradesh, held the position of WFI chief for 12 years but stepped aside following allegations of sexual harassment from top wrestlers, including Sakshi Malik.
In the recent elections, Sanjay Singh secured 40 out of 47 votes, while Commonwealth Games gold medalist Anita Sheoran, the preferred choice of protesting wrestlers for the WFI president post, received only seven votes.
Expressing disappointment with the election results, top wrestlers Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and Bajrang Punia voiced their concerns. Vinesh Phogat, in tears during a media interaction, expressed fears that under Sanjay Singh's leadership, women wrestlers may continue to face harassment, leaving their wrestling careers uncertain. Bajrang Punia, an Olympic bronze medalist, lamented the unfulfilled promises from the government and emphasized their non-political stance in the matter.
Sakshi Malik, echoing the wrestlers' desire for a female chief for the wrestling body, stated her decision to quit wrestling, particularly if the newly elected president is an associate and business partner of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
Earlier this year, the three wrestlers led a protest accusing Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment. The government ordered a probe, and assurances were given that no aide or relative of Singh would be allowed to contest future elections. Despite these assurances, Sanjay Singh, an aide of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, successfully contested and won the election.
Following his victory, Sanjay Singh defended himself against the allegations, claiming it was a victory of truth over lies. He expressed closeness to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and assured that no injustice would be done to any woman wrestler under his leadership.
In response to the election outcome, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh credited the victory to the wrestlers and the WFI secretary, expressing hope for the resumption of wrestling events under the new federation.
The WFI election process, initiated in July, faced delays due to court cases, leading to the suspension of WFI by the international wrestling body. The recent Supreme Court decision, setting aside a stay imposed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, paved the way for the elections.
